29 August 2013, Male'; Four Palestine nationals who visited the Maldives via Fly Dubai flight on 9 July 2013, on Syrian travel documents, have departed the Maldives for Sweden on 26 August 2013. Sweden has accepted the Palestinian family as refugees. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNCHR) facilitated the family's application for refugee status.
Prior to travelling to the Maldives, the Palestinian family was living in Syria as refugees. They were compelled to leave Syria due to the on-going conflict. Upon receiving a request from UNHCR, the Government of Maldives decided not to send the family back, and accord whatever assistance it could to the family. As such, the Government took care of the welfare of the family, including providing them accommodation at Hulhulé Island.
ENDS.